My mom is beautiful because she is GENEROUS & SUPPORTIVE. In a word, she is amazing. It’s hard to pick out a few qualities to share because she has many that I admire. These are my top two today – on her birthday.

I don’t know how to begin to share how much my mom means to me. She is the one person I can really trust and tell my secrets. She is smart and independent and strong, but doesn’t come across tough and pushy. She knows her mind but isn’t afraid to listen to other people’s views. And my mom is a good listener – whenever I visit home, we usually stay up for hours just chatting. Then we start again in the morning and continue until I leave. It is usually me talking – I’m relieved to have someone to spout all my crazy girl thoughts and know she won’t hold them against me.

My mom has not faltered in her support of me, either. I’ve come up with some wacky plans over the years and though she questioned them, still lent her encouragement. I wanted to be a model at some distant point, and she talked to me about how we could make that happen – we couldn’t, but it was cool that she even entertained the idea. Then I decided to get a tattoo – this made her very nervous and I know she HATED the idea. But, sure enough – in true Ginger form – she grew to like it and always asks to see it. Then, as I progressed towards 30 and beyond, there were the surfing lessons, hip hop classes, new roller skates, and strip tease classes – Ginger always wanted to know the latest. But the topper was when I decided to retire from corporate America and become a bartender, that she really didn’t know what to do with me – but she came around and now has me make all the drinks at the holidays and calls for recipes. That is just like Ginger – she may not agree with everything I do, but she still tries to understand and assist in my kooky dreams.

I think I am most grateful to my mom for helping me tame my worries. I’ve had much anxiety in my life – over money, jobs, boys, cars, moving, heatlh, etc. – but she never lets me panic for long. After a little while she tells me to let go, get on with my life, and everything will work out just fine. And you know what? She’s been right every time. I finally have learned not to worry so much. I learned it from Ginger.

Actually, I have to say, I learned all my good qualities from my mom. I’ve said this many times, I’m proud to become her. How much more can I gush about Ginger? I’ll leave it at this…

Mom, I love you. You are the best example of a well-rounded and balanced person. You inspire me to continue to learn new things, be a good listener and friend, and have LOADS of fun. Thanks for being consistent and a champion of good behavior and nice manners. If I’m a good person, it’s because of you (and dad, too).

Comments

Well done. Spot on. I echo those sentiments. Plus she and dad had to put up with the punk-rock bands staying at our house, etc., etc. Hey, if that wouldn’t have happened, they wouldn’t have so many cool stories to tell, right?
–Andy and Carrie, and Husker and Du

mary toth on
October 12th, 2007 12:07 pm

Ginger is a great mom-always ready to listen and let her kids makes decisions based on what they want but is there to be supportive. She is a wonderful friend too! mary

Happy Birthday Ginger!! You have raised quite a daughter! I am so happy you let me share her with you. Her tribute to you is both wonderful and touching.
We send our love on your special day and hope your year is everything you want it to be. Hope we get to see sometime in the next year. Jen (and Rick)

Toni and Bob on
October 14th, 2007 12:11 pm

What a wonderful tribute !!! and so true !!!
Kristin, you are one lucky daughter—and your Mommy is one lucky Mom to have you for her little girl !!!!
Love, Aunt Toni